Wine tours - Italy - Le Marche
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
The Treasures of Le Marche: Discovery atCantina Terracruda
Sometimes you have those moments when everything is just right. You take one sip and you know immediately: this is so special, I have to share this with the rest of the world. That happened to me recently in the rolling hills of the Italian region of Le Marche, at the fantastic Terracruda winery. There, I tasted a series of wines that made my heart beat faster as a vinologist – authentic, pure, and bursting with character.
Cantina Terracruda: Rooted in the Clay
Located in the picturesque village of Fratte Rosa , in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, lies Cantina Terracruda. The name says it all: 'Terra Cruda' refers to the rough, unworked clay soil so typical of this area. Here you won't find mass production, but a modern winery that works with an almost archaeological passion to rekindle local traditions.
What makes Terracruda so unique is their unconditional love for native grape varieties . While many winemakers in Italy have switched to well-known names like Chardonnay or Merlot, here they have remained true to what the soil has given them: Bianchello, Aleatico, and the almost forgotten Garofanata.
The Rescue of the Garofanata
During my visit, I was captivated by the story of Garofanata . This white grape was nearly extinct and threatened to disappear from the history books. Terracruda single-handedly saved it by replanting and researching it. The result is Innominata : an aromatic, almost mystical wine unlike anything else. This is precisely the uniqueness we at Passie voor Wijn Breda love so much!
A World Class Tasting
The team's passion and precision translate directly to the glass. Here's a selection of the highlights I tasted:
The Elegant Whites (Bianchello del Metauro DOC)
Boccalino: The perfect introduction. Light, sparkling, and vibrantly fresh with aromas of citrus and white blossom. The ultimate aperitif wine.
Metaurum Superiore: For those seeking more depth, this wine demonstrates the power and excellent aging potential of the Bianchello grape. Richer, more complex, and an absolute winner with gourmet fish dishes.
Campodarchi: A fruity, refined interpretation of Bianchello that perfectly captures the Marche sun.
Innominata (Garofanata): My personal discovery. A unique, aromatic character with a spicy nose that lingers.
Red with Character (Pergola Aleatico DOC)
Lubaco & Ortaia: These are the flagship red wines. Made from the Aleatico grape, they deliver an explosion of red fruit, rose petals, and delicate spices. Elegant yet profound.
Visciola: Fresh and powerful with a surprising hint of red fruit that gives the wine enormous liveliness.
Are we bringing Terracruda to Breda? Yes, of course.
Terracruda wines are more than just drinks; they're stories in a bottle. They are certified organic and crafted with a tremendous amount of respect for nature. Whether it's their refined rosés or the surprising sparkling Brut Bianco & Rosato (both made from Sangiovese!), every glass is a tribute to craftsmanship.
At Passion for Wine Breda, we're seriously considering bringing these treasures to the Netherlands. Because, let's be honest: who wouldn't want to sample a glass of "rescued grape" on a sunny afternoon?
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